Net Zero has become a religion: Claire Coutinho on climate, identity and cooking

Net Zero has become a religion: Claire Coutinho on climate, identity and cooking

Author: BBC Radio 4 October 17, 2025 Duration: 42:05

The Shadow Energy Minister has transformed her party's approach to climate policy.

In this extended conversation, Claire Coutinho sets out what changed her mind on net zero, a shift that has brought her into fierce debates with her opposite number, Ed Miliband.

She also shares her feelings about what she calls a rising "ethno-nationalism" on the right of British politics, as well as her reaction to her colleague Robert Jenrick's comments about Birmingham.

Nick asks how she ended up being sacked by Nigella Lawson, and sets up a future dinner party with Miliband.

Producer: Daniel Kraemer Research: Chloe Desave Sound: Jed Sudlow and Andy Mills Editor: Jonathan Brunert


Behind the headlines and soundbites, what really forms the convictions of those in power? On Political Thinking with Nick Robinson, the veteran BBC broadcaster sits down for a different kind of political dialogue. This isn't about rapid-fire questioning or chasing the day's news cycle. Instead, each episode offers an extended, thoughtful conversation with a single influential figure. You'll hear from prime ministers and protest leaders, cabinet members and campaigners, alongside voices from business, unions, and international politics. They all join Nick in the studio to explore a more personal question: what experiences, ideas, and beliefs actually shaped their political thinking? The result is a series of revealing portraits that go beyond policy to understand the person behind the public role. Produced by BBC Radio 4, this podcast provides a rare space for depth and reflection, allowing listeners to grasp the human motivations driving our political landscape. Tune in for conversations that are both relaxed and profoundly insightful, shedding light on how our world is shaped one perspective at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Political Thinking with Nick Robinson
Podcast Episodes
Trump's America: The Scott Perry One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:27
A Republican Congressman outlines the values that lie behind his conservative politics.Scott Perry is the Representative for Pennsylvania's 10th District, a Trump ally, an Iran hawk who sits on the Foreign Affairs Commit…
The Douglas Alexander One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:09
The Trade Minister explains how a penalty shootout played a role in his government appointment.Douglas Alexander has the same job that he had 20 years ago in Tony Blair's government. He reflects on how the world has chan…
The Mel Stride One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:41
The Shadow Chancellor sets out his vision for a more "thoughtful" politics and faces up to the challenge of winning the argument before the next general election.Sir Mel Stride reveals what he admires about his opposite…
The Jacinda Ardern One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:32
How does it feel to be held up as the 'anti-Trump' by progressives across the globe?Jacinda Ardern was prime minister of New Zealand for 6 years and is now committed to promoting empathy and kindness in world leadership.…
The Tanni Grey-Thompson One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:50
After 15 years as a member of the House of Lords, Tanni Grey-Thompson reflects on how a career at the top of sport prepared her for the world of politics.The crossbench peer speaks to Nick about what she sees as a danger…
The Eluned Morgan One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:54
The First Minister of Wales sets a marker to the left of Keir Starmer, setting out her vision of a "Red Welsh Way", drawing inspiration from Gavin and Stacey.Producer: Daniel Kraemer
The Richard Tice One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:17
Reform UK’s deputy leader reflects on a year of political success, a privileged upbringing and the cabinet job he’s eyeing upProducer: Daniel Kraemer
The Joe Biden One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:41
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, former president Joe Biden sits down with Nick Robinson for an exclusive interview, his first since leaving the White House.He issues a stark warning about the future of the wester…
Bonus: The Rishi Sunak Lessons from Downing Street One - Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:28
In the second, bonus instalment of this exclusive interview with the former prime minister, Rishi Sunak opens up about his time as Chancellor and Prime Minister, including how his relationship with Boris Johnson fell apa…